System of aligning railroad track



Sept. 19, 1961 B. E. HAYES 3,000,099

SYSTEM OF ALIGNING RAILROAD TRACK Filed Dec. 31, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 1BRiCE E. HAYES MM ,0M/ W ATTORNEYS Sept 19, 1961 B. E. HAYES 3,000,099

SYSTEM OF ALIGNING RAILROAD TRACK Filed Dec. 31, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR BRICE E. HAYES (D ATTORNEYS Sept. 19, 1961 B. E. HAYES SYSTEMOF ALIGNING RAILROAD TRACK 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 31, 1958 INVENTORBRICE E. HAYES ATTORNEYS Sept. 19, 1961 B. E. HAYES SYSTEM OF ALIGNINGRAILROAD TRACK 6 SheetsSheet 4 Filed Dec; 31, 1958 INVENTOR BRECE E.HAYES W :9 Mm) ATTORNEYS Sept. .19, 1961 B. E. HAYES 3,000,099

SYSTEM OF ALIGNING RAILROAD TRACK Filed Dec. 31, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 5INVENTOR BRI CE E HAYES ATTORNEYS Sept. 19, 1961 B. E. HAYES 3,000,099

SYSTEM OF ALIGNING RAILROAD TRACK Filed Dec. a1, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 6BRICE E. HAYES ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,000,099 SYSTEM OFALIGNIN G RAILROAD TRACK Brice E. Hayes, 6710 Northwest Highway, Chicago31, Ill. Filed Dec. 31, 1958, Ser. No. 784,153 29 Claims. (CI. 33-60)This invention relates to optical equipent and more particularly tooptical equipment utilized in aligning ra1lroad track and the like.

The three point sighting method of surfacing railroad track iswell-known in the art and has long been used by maintenance of wayforces. In this method the foreman places a spot board on one side of adip in the track, rests a second board in the depression and then sightsover a third sighting block or peep sight which is the same height asthe spot board. Looking through this peep sight the foreman sights onthe spot board and instructs his road gang to raise the track until theintermediate or second board, sometimes called a jack rabbit, reachesthe level of his line of sight. The track is then straight along thesethree points and the gang proceeds down the track to the next depressionwhich needs surfacing.

In recent years, this method has been employed not only in the spotraising of isolated sections of track having depressions thereon but inefiecting a specific raising of an entire section of track. Theoperation is known in the art as skin surfacing and usually implies araise of from one to three inches over an entire railroad during whichthe depressions are straightened. In this skin surfacing procedure thespot board indicates the vertical distance which the track is to beraised, the peep sight operating on track which has already been raised.

It has been proposed to replace the peep sight conventionally utilizedin track surfacing with a telescope so as to extend the distance thespot board can be placed on the track from the foreman who is sightingthe raise. With the use of either a peep sight or a telescope in thethree point surfacing method, the spot board could be placed on thetrack a considerable distance from the foreman stationed at the sightingpoint and the system required an attendant for the spot board to placethe same at the desired position on the track. Since this position wasdetermined by the foreman at the sighting point, it was necessary forhim to signal to the attendant at the spot board a considerable distanceaway in order to obtain the most desirable high spot in the track towhich to sight. The necessity of the visible signal between the foremanand the attendant at the spot board resulted in considerable trouble tothe foreman in placing the spot board at the most desirable high spot.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a system ofaligning track, particularly surfacing the same, which operates on thebasic three point method and which eliminates the need for an attendantto position the spot board on the track. It will be understood thatlabor has grown to constitute one of the biggest expenses in themaintenance of railroad track and equipment which eliminates manuallabor readily, pays for itself over a relatively short period ofoperation.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a tracksurfacing system of the type described embodying an improved target orspot board carriage which can be remotely controlled by an operatorstationed some distance therefrom.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of atarget carriage of the type described having means operable in responseto signals in the form of electromagnetic waves for controlling themovement thereof along a railroad track or the like.

Still another object of the present invention is the proice ' vision ofa track surfacing system of the type described having an improvedsighting carriage embodied therein.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a sightingcarriage of the type described having means mounted thereon for sendingsignals in the form of electromagnetic waves operable to control aremote target carriage.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of asighting carriage of the type described having improved telescopesighting means thereon.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of atrack surfacing system of the type described having an improved raisingcarriage embodied therein.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of araising carriage of the type described having an improved jack rabbitmeans thereon.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of araising or leveling carriage of the type described having improved levelboard means embodied thereon.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of avertically adjustable sighting board and improved means for indicatingthe vertical height of a reference objective thereon.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of asighting board which is self-leveling and improved means for dampeningthe action of the same.

The system of the present invention is particularly applicable insurfacing tangent and curved track. In addition, the telescope embodiedin the system is readily adaptable for use in lining railroad track,particularly tangent track.

Accordingly, it is a still further object of the present invention toprovide a system of the type described em: bodying improved telescopesighting means operable not only in the surfacing of track but thelining of track as well. The term aligning as herein used comprehendsWithin its meaning the surfacing of railroad track wherein the track isbrought into vertical alignment with the proper upper contour of theroad bed and the lining of track wherein the track is brought intohorizontal align with the proper upper contour of the road bed.

These and other objects of the present invention will become moreapparent during the course of the following detailed description andappended claims.

The invention may best be understood with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein an illustrative embodiment is shown.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic, top plan view illustrating a systemembodying the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the system;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the sighting unit of the system;

FIGURE 4 is a front elevational view of the sighting unit with the seatremoved;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken alongthe lines 55 of FIGURE 3 showing the parts in their surfacing position;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 showing the parts in their liningposition;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electric circuit of thesystem;

3 FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of the target unit of the system;

FIGURE 10 is a front elevational view of the target unit;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view of the spotboard assembly with parts broken away for purposes of illustration;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the sighting 'barof the spot board assembly;

FIGURE 13 is a front elevational view of the raising unit of the system;

FIGURE 14 is a side, elevational view of the raising unit;

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary front elevational view of the jackrabbit board;

FIGURE 16 is a side elevational view of the jack rabbit board; and

FIGURE 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 17-17 of FIGURE14, illustrating the leveling board assembly.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown inFIGURES l and 2 a system embodying the principles of the presentinvention. In general, the system includes a sighting unit, generallyindicated at 10, including a wheeled carriage 12 having a telescopeassembly 14 mounted thereon which, in a track surfacing operation, theforeman or other operator utilizes to obtain a reference line of sight.

Mounted on the target carriage 12 is a signalling device, generallyindicated at 16, which is operated by the foreman or operator through acontrol box 18. The signalling device is operable to transmit signals inthe form of electromagnetic waves, preferably of radio wave frequency,in response to the operation of the control box 18 to control themovement of a target unit, generally indicated at 20.

The unit 20 includes a wheeled carriage 22 having a signal receivingdevice 24 mounted thereon. The signal receiving device is operable toactuate a power transmitting assembly, generally indicated at 26,carried by the carriage 22 connected with the wheel means thereof forpropelling the same.

When the system is utilized in surfacing track the foreman or operatorstationed adjacent the telescope assembly 14 actuates the control box18, to actuate the signalling device 16 to transmit signals to thesignal receiving means 24 of the target unit 20 so that the powertransmission assembly will, in turn, effect movement of the carriage 22into a desired position along the track remote from the sighting unit10. The target unit includes a spot board assembly, generally indicatedat 28, which forms a target upon which the operator sights the telescopeassembly 14.

The system also embodies a raising unit, generally indicated at 30,which includes a wheeled carriage 32 having a jack rabbit assembly 34mounted thereon. The jack rabbit assembly provides the operator with ameans whereby he can determine the height of the track between thesighting unit and the target unit and any track thatis disposed belowthe line of sight can be raised by the crew until the jack rabbitassembly conicides with the line of sight. To assist in transverselyleveling both rails during the raising operation, the raising unit 30also also has mounted thereon a leveling board assembly, generallyindicated at 36.

Preferably, the carriages 12, 22 and 32 of the units 10, 20 and 30respectively, are identical in construction although they may be varied,if desired. By making the carriages identical the parts areinterchangeable and economies in production and maintenance are secured.Since the carriages are identical a description of one should sufi'iceto give a clear understanding of the construction of all; In thesubsequent description, the same reference numerals designatecorresponding parts of ail the carriages, the subscript letter S afterthe numeral indicating the parts of the sighting carriage; the subscriptT, the target carriage parts, and the subscript R the raising carriageparts.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURES 3-7, the carriage 12 of thesighting unit 10 comprises a pair of transversely extending,longitudinally spaced frame members 49 preferably of channelconstruction. Rigidly secured to each of the ends of the frame members46, as by insulated bolts or the like, is a longitudinally extendingside frame member 42 which also is in the form of an inverted channel.Preferably, a sheet of insulating material 43, such as mica or the like,separates the frame members, as shown in FIGURE 4. A yoke 44 of invertedU-shaped configuration is rigidly secured at each end of each side framemember 42. Journalled between the lower ends of the legs of each yoke44, as by a shaft 46, is a flanged wheel 48. One wheel on each side ofthe carriage has associated therewith a manually actuated holding brake49 of conventional construction.

The transversely extending channel frame members 4% are preferablyarranged so that the channels open toward each other and a horizontalplatform 50 is suitably mounted between the channels. Mounted adjacenteach end of the platform 50 is an upstanding block 52.

The telescope assembly 14 is preferably constructed in accordance withthe disclosure of my co-pending application Serial No. 659,366, filedMay 15, 1957. While a detailed description of the assembly 14 is notbelieved to be necessary for the reason that reference can be had to theabove-mentioned co-pending application, in brief, the assembly 14comprises a base 54 of generally inverted U-shaped configurationarranged to seat on one of the blocks 52S. As best shown in FIGURE 5,the base 54 is suitably secured to the block by a manually-operablescrew clamp 56. Mounted on the base 54 for pivotal movement about alongitudinal, horizontal axis is the lower end of a telescoping staff58. The staff is aligned vertically about its pivotal axis on the base54 by any suitable means, such as an adjusting device 60. Mounted on theupper end of the telescopic staif 58 for movement about a vertical axisand for movement about a transverse horizontal axis is a telescope unit62 which includes a pair of telescopes 64 mounted in parallel relationwith respect to each other and facing in opposite directions. It will beunderstood that each of the telescopes may, if desired, include theusual horizontal and vertical cross hairs.

In surfacing of track, the upper telescope 64 is utilized. In order todetermine the distance between the upper telescope and the tread of thetrack upon which the sighting carriage is mounted a measuring device,generally indicated at 66, is operatively connected between the head 62and the base 54 of the telescope assembly. The device 74 preferablyincludes a housing 68 fixed to the upper end of the staff 58 forreceiving a measuring tape 70 in coil formation. The tape 70 is mountedwithin the housing so that one end thereof will pay out from the coilformation, which end is secured to the lower end of the staff, as byhook 7 1. The coil formation of the tape is mounted within the housingby conventional resilient means (not shown) which serves to wind in thetape as the telescope is lowered. A window 72 is provided in the housing68 and has a suitable mark ing thereon whereby the indicia on the tapedesignating the height of the center of the upper telescope 64 can beread.

As shown in FIGURE 5, when the telescope assembly 14 is used insurfacing track the vertical cross hair will be disposed in a verticalplane passing outwardly of the gage side of the rail. Of course, wherethe telescope assembly is utilized in lining track, the vertical crosshair of both telescopes must be disposed in a vertical planeintersecting the gage side of the rail, as shown in FIGURE 6. To efiectmovement of the telescope assembly 14' between these twopositions, theright hand block 528 has a pair of longitudinally spaced bores 74extending horizontally therethrough for receiving a pair of rods 76. Therods are fixedly secured between a pair of transversely spaced brackets78 secured to the platform 508. Mounted on each rod 76 in surroundingrelation thereto between the inner bracket 78 and the block 528 is acoil spring 80 which resiliently urges the block transversely outwardly.The outward movement of the block is limited by engagement of the samewith the outer bracket 78.

When it is desired to utilize the telescope assembly 14 for the purposeof lining track, the block 528 upon which the same is mounted is movedinwardly against the action of the springs 80 and a bar 82 having oneend pivoted, as at 84, to the lower end of an arm 86 fixed to theunderside of the block 528, is moved into a vertical position so thatupon release of the block, the bar will engage the gage side of the railas shown in FIGURE 6. To effect movement of the telescope assembly fromthe position shown in FIGURE 6 to the position shown in FIGURE 5, theblock 52S is moved against the action of the springs 80 and the bar 82pivoted upwardly into a horizontal position as shown in dotted lines inFIGURE 7. The block is then allowed to move through the action of thespring 80 into its outermost position and a pin 96 formed on the channelframe member 42S receives the outer end of the bar and retains the samein its horizontal position.

The telescoping staff 58 of the telescope assembly permits the foremanor operator to position the telescope at any desired vertical positionwithin the range provided. Thus, the telescope can be utilized with theoperator in a standing position or in a sitting position. Where thelatter is desired, the carriage 12 is provided with a seat 92 mounted onthe upper end of a telescoping pipe 94, the lower end of which has awheel 96 mounted thereon for engagement with the track. Rigidly securedto the lower end of the telescoping pipe 94 is one end of an arm 98, theother end of which is detachably connected with the associated end ofthe side frame member 42S, as indicated at 100 in FIGURE 3. Of course,this connection can be made with the opposite member 42S, if desired.

The signalling device 16 is of well-known construction and anycommercial transmitter of the portable type operable to send out atleast two, and preferably three, distinct signals may be employed. Adevice which may be utilized is the 5 channel transmitter model G.L.R.25 produced by Ga.-Lin. R.C. Products of Chicago, Illinois. Thistransmitter is complete with batteries and collapsible antenna andoperates on the Citizen Band under Class C. It embodies a 5 multiplechannel system, the details of which are not necessary to anunderstanding of the present invention. For present purposes, suifice itto say that the device is operable to transmit three separate signals onthree separate frequency channels and the control box 18 includes threebuttons, 102, 104 and 106, each of which when pressed serve to actuatethe transmitting device 16 to transmit a corresponding signal.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the control box 18 is mounted in a saddle member108 secured to the upper end of a telescoping staff 110, the lower endof which is secured to an inverted U-shaped base 112. A block 114 ismounted on the platform 50S adjacent each side thereof for alternativelyreceiving the U-shaped base 12. The base is secured to the block by amanually actuated screw clamp 116.

The signal receiving device 24 of the target unit 20 is also ofconventional construction. One example of a receiving device that can beutilized is the 5 channel receiver model 35 manufactured by Ga.-Lin.R-C. Products. This device is operable to complete a separate electricalcircuit in response to any one of the three signals transmitted by thetransmitting device.

The power transmitting assembly 26 includes a reversible electric motor118 having its output shaft connected as by a belt and pulley assembly120 with the input shaft of a speed reducing unit 122. As shown inFIGURES 9 and 10, the speed reducing unit includes a worm gear andpinion transmission 124 of the self-locking type which provides a braketo prevent movement of the target carriage when disposed on inclinedtrack. The output shaft of the speed reducing unit 122 is connected witha transversely extending horizontal shaft 126, as by a belt and pulleyassembly 128 having a tensioning idler 130 which can be manuallycontrolled. The shaft 126 is mounted beneath the platform SOT by asuitable bearing 132 which is resiliently biased downwardly, as by aspring 134. The outer end of the shaft has a drive wheel 136 mountedthereon, having a tread or tire of frictional material, such as rubber,plastic, or the like, arranged to frictionally engage the ball of therail to drive the target unit 20.

Referring now more particularly to the wiring diagram shown in FIGURE 8,it will be seen that a battery 138 is provided for energizing the signalreceiving device 24 through leads 140 and 142, the latter having amanual switch 144 therein through which energization of the de vice canbe controlled. Suitably connected with the output of the signalreceiving device 24 to be selectively energized thereby are the coils ofthree relays 146, 148 and 150. The switches of the relays are embodiedin an electric circuit controlling the operation of the electric motor118.

The motor 118 can be any DC. motor which reverses direction upon feedingcurrent from a storage battery 151 in oppositedirections thereto. Toeffect this reversal, the relays 146 and 148 include double poleswitches 152 and 154 respectively, one pair of contacts of the switch152 being connected between one terminal of the battery 151 and oneterminal of the motor, through leads 156 and 158. The other pair ofcontacts of the switch 152 is connected across leads 160 and 162,extending from the other terminal of the battery to ground. It will beseen that when the switch contacts '152 of the relay 146 are closednegative terminal of the battery is grounded while the positive terminalis connected to one side of the motor, the other being grounded, asindicated at 164.

The polarity of the motor ground 164 is changed from negative topositive by leads 166 and 168 extending from the positive lead 156 toground and connected across one pair of switch contacts 154 of the relay148. Negative potential is brought to the motor 118 through leads 170and 172 connected across the other pair of switch contacts 154 betweennegative lead 160 and the motor.

The entire circuit is under the control of a manual switch 174 in seriesin the lead 156 and a light 176 connected in parallel across the leads156 and 160 to indicate when switch 174 is closed and the circuit is inoperation.

The switch of the relay 150 controls the operation of an electricallyactuated horn 178, connected between positive battery lead 156 and theground in the circuit across the relay 150 switch by leads 180, 182 and184.

The spot board assembly 28 of the target unit 20 comprises an invertedU-shaped base 186 arranged to be selectively mounted on either one ofthe blocks 52T. As before, a knobbed screw clamp 188 is provided forfixing the base on the block.

As best shown in FIGURE 11, rigidly secured to the base and extendingupwardly thereof is a telescoping staif 190 of hollow tubularconstruction. The staff 190 like the staffs 58 and 110 are preferablyconstructed in accordance with the disclosure of my co-pendingapplication Serial No. 659,366 noted above. Secured to the upper end ofthe staif is a housing 192 within which a measuring tape 194 is mountedin coil formation in a manner similar to the tape 70 previouslydescribed. One end of the tape is operable to pay out from the coilformation and is extended the hollow telescopic staff members and issecured to the lower end of the lower member by means of a bead chain196 having its lower end secured to a threaded element 198 extendingwithin a disc 200. The disc is secured within the lower mem her by anysuitable means such as a bolt 202 extending through the base and tubularmember and into the disc. A window 204 is formed in the housing 192through which the indicia on the measuring tape can be read. The indiciaare calibrated to give an indication of the vertical position of areference objective 206 in the form of an upper edge of a sighting bar208 pivoted on a spot board 210 which may be of oval configuration, asshown in FIGURE 12. The spot board is fixedly mounted on the upper endof the staff 190, as by a U- shaped bracket 212 and has a horizontalshaft 214 extending outwardly therefrom in fixed relation thereto. Theshaft 214 forms the pivotal axis of the horizontal bar.

Fixed to the lower edge of the bar 208 is a plate 216 having an arm 218extending downwardly therefrom, upon which weight 220 is threadedlymounted. In addition, a pair of horizontally spaced brackets 222 aresecured to the plate between the pivotal axis thereof and the pendulumweight. A threaded member 224 is mounted between the brackets and hasthreadedly mounted thereon a horizontally movable adjusting weight 226.r

A spirit level 228 is mounted on the sighting bar 208 to determine thatthe upper horizontal edge 206 thereof is in proper level condition. Itwill be understood that the weight 226 can be adjusted to eflect properhorizontal level of the edge 206.

In order to prevent undue pendulum action of the sighting bar 208, adampening means is provided which comprises an arm 230 extendingdownwardly from the shaft 214 and fixed thereto. The lower end of thearm is disposed between a wedge-shaped cut out portion 232 formed in adisc 234 of hard rubber or the like. The disc is pivotally mounted onthe plate 216 for movement about its axis between the shaft 214 andWeight 220 and the lower periphery thereof is notched as indicated at236. A pin 238 is mounted on the plate 216 in a position to engage theportions of the disc defining the ends of the notch.

It will be seen that a pendulum movement of the sighting bar 208 andplate 216 will result in the movement of the disc 234 into engagement ofthe lower end of the fixed arm 230 so that the disc will be pivoted bythe arm, thus bringing the opposite surface of the V-shaped notch intoclose engagement with the other side of the arm. As the bar and plateswing back in the opposite direction, the arm will engage the oppositesurface of the notch and this procedure is repeated until the swingingmotion of the spot board is completely dampened out.

In surfacing curved track, it may be desirable to lengthen thehorizontal extent of the sighting bar. To this end, each end of the bar208 is provided with a pair of vertically spaced apertures 240 andadditional bars 242 similar to the bar 208 may be selectively secured to'either end of the latter by bolts extending through the apertures.Where a bar 242 is secured to one side of the bar 208, as shown inbroken lines in FIGURE 12, the opposite side of the bar is preferablyprovided with weights 244, suspended from the associated 'lower aperture240.

The jack rabbit assembly 34 of the raising unit 30 comprises an invertedV-shaped base 246 having a screw clamp 248. therein through which thesame may be selectively secured to the blocks 52R, on the raisingcarriage 32. A hollow telescopic staff 250, similar to stafis 58, 110and 190, extends upwardly from 'the base and has a measuring tape 252embodied therein in a manner similar to the measuring tape 194.

Pivoted to a horizontal shaft 254 fixed to the upper end of the staff250 is a jack rabbit sighting bar 256 having a reference objective 258in the form of an upper horizontal edge. The sighting bar has aplurality of spaced notches 260 formed in the edge 254 thereof so thatin the event that the latter is disposed in a vertical position abovethe track greater than the vertical position of the sighting bar of thespot board assembly, the edge 206 of the latter will be visible to theoperator through the notches.

Mounted on each end of the bar 256, as by horizontal pivots 262, is abar or arm 264 which can be moved from the position shown in FIGURE 15in full lines when surfacing tangent trackfto' a horizontal alignmentposition shown in broken lines in FIGURE 15 for surfacing curved track.In order to maintain the bars 264 in their collapsed, full lineposition, a notch block 266 is slidably mounted on a vertical arm 268-fixed in depending relation to a plate 270 rigid with the lower edge ofthe sighting bar 256. A spring 272 is mounted in surrounding relation onthe arm between a weight 274 secured to the lower end thereof and theblock 266 for resiliently urging the latter upwardly. It will be seenthat the notched block receives the outer corners of the bars and thespring serves to maintain them therein. When it is desired to use thebars in their horizontal position, the block is moved downwardly againstthe action of the spring and one or both of the bars are pivoted out-'wardly. Any suitable means may be provided for maintaining the bars intheir horizontal position as, for example, bolts or the like (notshown).

Secured to the plate 270 is a horizontally adjustable weight 276 similarto the weight 226 previously described in connection with the spot boardassembly 23. In addition the jack rabbit bar is provided with adampening means, similar to the dampening means previously described,which generally includes an arm 278 fixed to the shaft 254 and a notcheddisc 2% pivoted to the plate 270.

The leveling board assembly 36 of the unit 3%) comprises a transversehorizontal board 2 82 having a spirit level 284 mounted in the centralportion thereof for indicating when the upper surface of the board isdisposed in a true horizontal plane, as shown in FIGURES l3 and 17. Theends of the board are supported in saddles 286 secured to the upper endof a rod 288 which extends through a suitable aperture formed in theassociated side frame member 42R and an oversize pipe section 299secured beneath the channel member. The lower end of each rod 288 hasjournalled thereon a roller 292 for engaging the ball of the associatedrail.

On one end of the leveling board 282 there is provided a U-shaped strap294, the legs of which are sesured to the board in a position to disposethe bight portion in spaced relation from the end thereof. Mounted forvertical movement between the end of the board and the bight portion ofthe strap is a calibrated bar 296. A screw clamp 298 is threaded withinthe bight portion of the strap for engaging the bar to secure the samein any desired position of vertical adjustment with respect to theboard. The lower end of the bar has an inwardly turned flange 300 forengaging the saddle.

Operation While the system of the present invention is useful insurfacing track in general, as, for example, in raising isolateddepressions and the like, the operation will be described in connectionwith the raising of an entire line which is a practice being adoptedmore and more as standard maintenance procedure. In such a procedure,the crew using conventional track jacks, tampers and like maintenanceequipment proceeds along a track raising the same one, two or threeinches. From the track which has been raised, the new track is sighted,usually by the trained eye of the foreman, until a distant high spot isfound. The section of the track between that already raised and thedistant high spot is then raised. In raising the section, a line ofsight is obtained from a point at a predetermined height over the trackalready raised to a point at a height over the high spot a distanceequal to the aforesaid predetermined height plus the amount of raise tobe given to the track. Thus, by bringing the track section up to thisline of sight not only is the section raised but depressions therein arestraightened out as well.

In using the prment system for making a one-inch raise in a track line,the sighting carriage 12 is positioned over the portion of track alreadyraised, as shown in FIGURE 2. The operator then sets the upper telescope64 of the telescope assembly 14 to a desired height by adjusting thetelescopic staff 58 thereof. The working height of the telescope 64 maybe chosen sufliciently low to enable the operator to sight through thesame while seated on the seat 92 or the operator may choose to move itup to a standing position.

After the height of the telescope is adjusted, the operator takes areading through window 72 of the tape 70, which may be, for example,forty-one inches. The height of the reference objective or edge 258 ofthe jack rabbit assembly 34 is then adjusted by the telescopic staif 250until tape 252 gives a corresponding reading.

Finally, the height of the reference objective or edge 206 of the spotboard assembly 28 is adjusted by the telescopic staff 190 until tape 194gives a reading one inch greater or forty-two inches.

Assuming that the target carriage has been properly located, theoperator then sights through the upper telescope 64 onto the spot board210. Using this line of sight he then signals to the crew stationedadjacent the raising unit 30 to raise the track until the edge 25 8thereof is in this line of sight or until it coincides with the edge206. The track upon which the raising unit 30 is mounted is then at thedesired grade. It will be noted that the leveling board assembly 36provides the crew at the raising unit with a ready reference with whichto check that both rails are properly transversely leveled. After therails are properly leveled, the crew moves the raising carriage 32 tothe next raising point and the procedure is repeated.

When it becomes necessary to move the target unit 20 forward to a newdesired high spot, the operator stationed at the telescope first soundsa warning blast on the horn 178 mounted on'the target carriage. Toaccomplish this, button 106 is pushed to activate signal transmittingdevice 16 to send a radio wave signal which is picked up by signalreceiving device 2'4. The coil of relay 150 is energized in response tothe actuation of device 24 and the switch of the relay completes acircuit to the horn 178.

Next, the operator pushes button 102 which activates signal transmittingdevice 16 to transmit a signal in the form of an electromagnetic wave ofdilferent radio frequency. This signal is picked up by the signalreceiving device 24 which, in turn, is activated to energize the coil ofrelay 146. Switch 152 is thus closed completing the circuit to motor 118which, upon rotation, serves to rotate Wheel 1336 through speed reducingunit 122. By watching the relative vertical movement between referenceobjectives 206 and 258 through upper telescope 64, the operator canreadily ascertain the high spots in the track some distance away withconsiderable accuracy.

It will be understood that the button 104 serves to move the targetcarriage in the opposite direction by reversing the rotation of motor118 through the operation of relay 148. Thus, by selectively actuatingthe buttons 102 and 104 of the control box 18, the operator can bringthe target carriage to the desirable high spot without the need of anassistant and. the inconveniences incident thereto. With the target unitproperly located and held in position by the pinion and worm geartransmission of the unit 122, the raising procedure noted above isrepeated.

The blocks 528 on opposite sides of the sighting carriage be moved forsurfacing from the low rail on both right and left hand curves. Whensurfacing around curves, the arms or bars 264 of the jack rabbitassembly 34 are moved into their horizontal position shown in dottedlines in FIGURE 15. Of course, blocks 52R may be used alternatively forright and left hand curves. The entire carriage 32 can be reversed, ifdesired, and the leveling board 282 is readily reversible in saddles 286so that calibrated bar 296 can be used over either rail. In a likemanner any desired number of bars 242 and corresponding weights 244 canbe used to horizontally extend the reference objective 206 of the targetunit 20 when working on curves and opposed blocks 52T are provided forright and left hand curves.

When lining operations are desired, the arm 82 is lowered intoengagement with a rail to dispose the vertical cross hair of thetelescopes in the vertical plane of the gage side of the rail as shownin FIGURE 6. In this position, the telescope assembly can be used inlining track in the manner set forth in the aforesaid copendingapplication.

The present system thus provides considerable versatility of operation.In surfacing, the operator is enabled to see the spot board better andobtain greater accuracy when sighting in than by the naked eye. Ofprimary significance however is the saving in labor, which over anextended period of time results in important economies. All of thecarriages are of relatively light weight and can be easily removed fromthe track when desired. Moreover, the signal transmitting device 16,control box 18 and stafi, telescope assembly 14, spot board assembly 28,jack rabbit assembly 34 and leveling board 282 are readily removable forsafe keeping after operations for the day have been completed. Thebattery 151, signal receiving device 24, motor 118 and transmission unit122 are disposed in appropriate housings to prevent access.

It thus will be seen that the objects of this invention have been fullyand effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that theforegoing specific embodiment has been shown and described only for thepurpose of illustrating the principles of this invention and is subjectto extensive change without departure from such principles. Therefore,this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spiritand scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A system of aligning railroad track comprising telescope meansarranged to be carried by the track to be aligned at a sighting positionin predetermined relation therewith for sighting a line, means at saidsighting position for transmitting signals in the form ofelectromagnetic waves, a driven wheeled carriage arranged to ride on thetrack for movement into a target position remote from said sightingposition, target means carried by said carriage upon which the line issighted to determine the position thereof, and means operable inresponse to the signals transmitted by said transmitting means fordriving said carriage in both directions to thereby effect movement ofthe same into said target position, said last mentioned means comprisinga driven wheel on said carriage, a motor operatively connected with saidwheel for driving the same, and signal receiver means on said carriageoperable in response to a predetermined signal from said transmittingmeans for actuating said motor to drive said wheel, said motor beingoperatively connected to said wheel by means including a worm gear speedreducer operable to prevent turning of said wheel when said motor isrendered inoperable.

2. A system of aligning railroad track comprising telescope meansarranged to be carried by the track to be aligned at a sighting positionin predetermined relation therewith for sighting a line, means at saidsighting position for transmitting signals in the form ofelectromagnetic waves, a driven Wheeled carriage arranged to ride on 32provide a means whereby the telescope assembly can the track formovement into a target position remote from said sighting position,target means carried by said carriage upon which the line is sighted todetermine the position thereof, and means operable in response to thesignals transmitted by said transmitting means for driving said carriagein both directions to thereby effect movement of the same into saidtarget position, said last mentioned means comprising a driven wheel onsaid carriage, a motor operatively connected with said wheel for drivingthe same, and signal receiver means on said carriage operable inresponse to a predetermined signal from said transmitting means foractuating said motor to drive said wheel, said motor being a reversibleelectric motor, said signal receiver means being operable to selectivelyactuate said reversible motor in either direction in response to one oftwo distinct signals from said transmitting means.

3. A system as defined in claim 2 wherein a horn is mounted on saidcarriage and said signal receiving means is operable to actuate saidhorn in response to a third predetermined signal from said transmittingmeans.

4. A system of aligning railroad track comprising telescope meansarranged to be carried by the track to be aligned at a sighting positionin predetermined relation therewith for sighting a line, means at saidsighting position for transmitting signals in the form ofelectromagnetic waves, a driven wheeled carriage arranged to ride on thetrack for movement into a target position remote from said sightingposition, target means carried by said carriage upon which the line issighted to determine the position thereof, and means operable inresponse to the signals transmitted by said transmitting means fordriving said carriage in both directions to thereby efiect movement ofthe same into said target position, said target means comprising atelescopic stafi mounted on said carriage, a spot board sighting memberpivotally mounted on the upper end of said staff in pendulum fashion, ahorizontal reference objective on said member, and means for dampeningthe pendulum action of said member, said dampening means comprising anarm fixed with respect to said stair", an element pivoted to saidsighting member about an axis spaced from the pivotal axis thereof, saidelement having a cut-out portion therein receiving said arm.

5. A system of aligning railroad track comprising telescope meansarranged to be carried by the track to be aligned at a sighting positionin predetermined relation therewith for sighting a line, means at saidsighting position for transmitting signals in the form ofelectromagnetic waves, a driven wheeled carriage arranged to ride on thetrack for movement into a target position remote from said sightingposition, target means carried by said carriage upon which the line issighted to determine the position thereof, and means operable inresponse to the signals transmitted by said transmitting means fordriving said carriage in both directions to thereby efiect movement ofthe same into said target position, said target means comprising a basemounted on said carriage, a lower elongated hollow member secured tosaid base and extending upwardly therefrom, an upper elongated hollowmember mounted for vertical telescopic movement with respect to saidlower member and said base, a spot board mounted on said upper member,said spot board having a reference objective thereon and means forindicating a vertical distance between the reference objective of saidspot board and the track, said indicating means comprising a measuringtape having indicia thereon, said tape being disposed in coil formationand operable to pay out at one end from said coil formation andresiliently return thereto by relative movement between said one end andsaid coil formation, means mounting the coil formation and the one endof said tape between said upper member and said base for relativevertical movement therebetween in response to vertical movement of saidupper member relative to said lower member and said base, said tapebeing mounted with substantially all of the payed out portion thereofdisposed within said hollow upper and lower 12 member in any position ofvertical movement thereof, and fixed means adjacent the coil formationof said tape for designating the indicia thereon corresponding to thevertical distance between the reference objective and the track.

6. A system of aligning railroad track comprising tele scope meansarranged to be carried by the track to be aligned at a sighting positionin predetermined relation therewith for sighting a line, means at saidsighting position for transmitting signals in the form ofelectromagnetic waves, a driven wheeled carriage arranged to ride on thetrack for movement into a target position remote from said sightingposition, target means carried by said carriage upon which the line issighted to determine the position thereof, means operable in response tothe signal transmitted by said transmitting means for driving saidcarriage in both directions to thereby efiect movement of the same intosaid target position, and jack-rabbit means arranged to be carried bythe track to be aligned at a position intermediate said telescope meansand said carriage for determining the position of the portion of trackcarrying the same with respect to said line of sight.

7. A system as defined in claim 6 wherein said jackrabbit board meanscomprises a telescopic staff having a jack-rabbit sighting memberpivotally mounted in pendulum fashion on the upper end thereof, saidsighting member having a horizontal reference objective thereon foralignment with said line of sight, and means for dampening the pendulumaction of said sighting member.

8. A system as defined in claim 7 wherein said dampening means comprisesan arm fixed with respect to said stall, and an element pivoted to saidsighting member about an axis spaced from the pivotal axis thereof, saidelement having a cut-out portion therein receiving said arm.

9. A system as defined in claim 6 wherein said jackrabbit meanscomprises a horizontal sighting bar providing an upper edge defining ahorizontal reference objective, said bar having notch means formed insaid edge thereof.

10. A system as defined in claim 9 wherein a pair of bars are mounted onopposite ends of said first mentioned bar for movement into and out of aposition of horizontal alignment therewith.

11. A system of aligning railroad track comprising a sighting carriagemountable on a railroad track to ride thereon, telescope means carriedby said sighting carriage, means on said sighting carriage fortransmitting signals in the form of electromagnetic waves, a targetcarriage mountable on therailroad track for power driven movementthereon in both directions, target means on said carriage fordetermining a proper line of sight from said telescope means, meansoperable in response to the signals transmitted by said transmittingmeans for effecting the power driven movement of said target carriage, araising carriage mountable on the railroad track to ride thereon in aposition between said sighting carriage and said target carriage, andjack-rabbit means on said raising carriage for determining the positionwith respect to said line of sight of the portion of the track uponwhich said raising carriage is mounted.

12. A system as defined in claim 11 wherein said raising carriage has atransversely extending leveling board mounted thereon for angular andtranslational movement in a stubstantially vertical plane with respectthereto and for longitudinal movement with said raising carriage, andmeans connected with the ends of said leveling board for engaging thetracks and supporting said board in said vertical plane.

13. A system as defined in claim 12 wherein said last mentioned means atone end of said board comprises a vertically adjustable member forsupporting the board in a level condition from track disposed in atransversely inclined plane.

14. A system as defined in claim 11 wherein said telescope meanscomprises a telescopic staff mounted on said sighting carriage having atelescope mounted on the upper end thereof and means for indicating thevertical distance between the center of the telescope and the portion ofthe track upon which said sighting carriage is mounted; wherein saidtarget means comprises a telescopic staff mounted in said targetcarriage and having a sighting board member mounted on the upper endthereof provided with a horizontal reference objective and means forindicating the vertical distance between the reference objective and theportion of the track upon which said target carriage is mounted; andwherein said jack-rabbit means comprises a telescopic stafi mounted onsaid raising carriage and having a jack-rabbit sighting member on theupper end thereof provided with a horizontal reference objective, andmeans for indicating the vertical distance between said jack-rabbitreference objective and the portion of the track upon which said raisingcarriage is mounted.

15. A system as defined in claim 14 wherein said sighting carriageincludes a seat adjacent said telescope means.

16. In apparatus of the type described, the combination comprising awheeled carriage for engagement with a railroad track to ride thereon, avertical staif mounted on said carriage for transverse movement withrespect thereto, a track engaging member connected with said staff formovement between a track engaging position wherein the same istransversely fixed with respect to said stafi and a position disposedout of engagement with the track, and a telescope mounted on said stafifor pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis.

17. The combination as defined in claim 16 wherein said staff comprisesa plurality of telescopic vertical members and wherein means is providedfor indicating the vertical distance between said telescope and thetrack engaged by said carriage.

18. In apparatus of the type described, the combination comprising awheeled carriage for engagement with a rail-' road track to ridethereon; a member mounted on said carriage for transverse movement withrespect thereto, spring means resiliently urging said member into atransversely outward limiting position, a telescope mounted on saidmember for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis, saidtelescope including a vertical cross hair disposed over the ball of atrack when said member is in said outward limiting position, and a trackengaging element fixed transversely with respect to said member andmovable vertically with respect thereto into a position to engage thegage side of the track to thereby limit the transverse movement of saidmember to an inner position wherein the vertical cross hair of saidtelescope is disposed in a vertical plane passing through the gage sideof the track.

19. In a system of the type described, a target carriage comprising aframe having wheel means thereon for engaging a railroad track, saidwheel means including a driven wheel, a reversible electric motorcarried by said frame, power transmission means between said motor andsaid driven wheel, an electrical circuit for actuating the motor tothereby drive the driven wheel through said transmission means, saidcircuit including means operable in response to a radio signal of afirst predetermined frequency for effecting actuation of said motor inone direction and means operable in response to a second radio signal ofa second predetermined frequency for effecting actuation of said motorin the opposite direction, and target means on said frame providing areference objective upon which a line of sight is directed.

20. A target carriage as defined in claim 19 wherein said powertransmission means includes a worm gear speed reducer.

21. In apparatus of the type described, the combination comprising aframe having wheel means thereon for engaging a railroad track, avertically adjustable stafi mounted on said frame, a jack-rabbitsighting member on the upper end of said staif, said sighting memberhaving an upper edge defining a horizontal reference objective,

said member having notch means formed in said edge, and means forindicating the vertical distance between said reference objective andthe track engaged by the wheel means of said frame.

22. The combination as defined in claim 21 wherein said sighting memberis mounted on said staff for pivotal movement in pendulum fashion andmeans is provided for dampening the pendulum action of said member.

23. The combination as defined in claim 21 wherein a pair of bars ismounted on opposite ends of said sighting member for movement into andout of a position of horizontal alignment therewith.

24. In apparatus of the type described the combination comprising a basearranged to be carried by the track to be aligned in predeterminedrelation therewith, a lower elongated hollow member secured to said baseand extending upwardly therefrom, an upper elongated hollow membermounted for vertical telescopic movement with respect to said lowermember and said base, a sighting member mounted on the upper member,said sighting member having a reference objective thereon and means forindicating a vertical distance between the reference objective of saidsighting member and the track, said indicating means comprising ameasuring tape having indicia thereon, said tape being disposed in coilformation and operable to pay out at one end from said coil formationand resiliently return thereto by relative movement between said one endand said coil formation, means mounting the coil formation and the oneend of said tape between said upper member and said base for relativevertical movement therebetween in response to vertical movement of saidupper member relative to 'said lower member and said base, said tapebeing mounted with substantially all of the payed out portion thereofdisposed within said hollow upper and lower members in any position ofvertical movement thereof, and fixed means adjacent the coil formationof said tape for designating the indicia thereon corresponding to thevertical distance between the reference objective and the track.

25. The combination as defined in claim 24 wherein said sighting memberis pivotally mounted on said upper member in pendulum fashion andwherein means is provided for dampening the pendulum action of saidsighting member.

26. The combination as defined in claim 25 wherein said dampening meanscomprises an arm rigid with said upper member and a disk pivoted aboutits axis to said sighting member in spaced relation to the pivotal axisof the latter, said disk having a wedge-shaped notch formed thereinreceiving said arm.

27. In an apparatus of the type described, the combination comprising asupport, a sighting member mounted on said support for free pivotalmovement about a fixed substantially horizontal axis, and dampeningmeans between said support and said sighting member for stabilizing thepivotal movement of the latter, said dampening means comprising an armfixed to said support and a disk pivoted to said sighting member aboutits axis in spaced relation to the pivotal axis of the latter, said diskhaving a wedge-shaped notch therein receiving said arm.

28. The combination as defined in claim 27 wherein said disk is alsoprovided with an arcuate peripheral notch and wherein a pin is carriedby said sighting member within said notch for limiting the pivotalmovement of said disk.

29. In apparatus for use in a three point system of aligning railroadtrack including first, second and intermediate means arranged to besupported on the track respectively at a first position on an alignedportion thereof, at a second position on an unaligned portion thereofremote from said first position and at an intermediate position on anunaligned portion thereof between said first and second positions whichis to be aligned for determining when the portion of the track to bealigned in said intermediate position is in alignment 15 with a straightreference established with respect to said first and second positions;the improvement comprising a wheeled carriage supporting said secondmeans mountable on the track for movement thereon into said secondposition, means carried by said carriage and engageable 5 with the trackfor elfecting movement of said carriage. along the track in bothdirections in response to electromagnetic signals of predeterminedfrequencies, and means remote from said carriage for transmittingelectromagnetic signals of said predetermined frequencies to operatesaid carriage moving means so that said carriage can be moved therebyinto said second position under the control of an operator adjacent saidsignal transmitting means remote from said carriage.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS IrwinFeb. 23, 1897 Ellis et a1. Dec. 22, 1903 Harris Nov. 15, 1910 SteadmanOct. 23, 1917 Lemaire Aug. 21, 1951 Small May 29, 1956 McMillan Sept.25, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS Germany May 16, 1896 Austria Nov. 25, 1911Great Britain July 25, 1956

